Oppliyappan Sannadhi

Oppiliyappan Sannadhi is a famous Vaishnavite temple situated near the town of Kumbakonam (about 5 km. northeast of Kumbakonam). The name Oppliyappan is derived from ancient Tamil which means "No One is Equal to Him", It also been said that to this Vishnu deity, on daily prasad (food offerings to God) there is no salt added to it.

Lord Oppliyappan Temple is one of the main prilgrimage centres of South India. Oppiliyappan Sannidhi is one of the most important of the 108 sancred vaishnavite shrines, whose glory has been sung by Alwars. It is also called 'South Tirupathi'

According to purana, sage Markandeya was performing penance in the present temple site worrshiping Lord Narayana. Lord Padmavathi incarnated herself as female child and sage discovered the chile on the ground. Sage named her as Bhoomi Devi. When she came of age, sage wanted her to get married. A very old man came to the sage and sought the hand of his daughter. Sage was reluctant and said she doesn't know basics and even forget put salt in the food prepared. As the old was adamant, sage prayed Lord Narayana and pleaded to releave from the situation. Old man disappeared and Lord Narayana appeared in front of the sage and said he is ready to marry the daughter even though she prepares food without salt. Lord and Boomi Devi married and took permanent adobe in the same place.

All offerings to god in this temple is prepared without salt. Salt food is not allowed to be brought inside the temple. God is always appearing with Goddess Padmavathi

Lord has a number of festivals round the year. The main Brahmotsava in Paguni month (Mar - Apl) culminating on Sravana, the day on which the Lord appeared before the sage; a second Brahmotsava concluding on Purattasi Sravana (Sep - Oct); a grand Kalyana utsava for 12 days from Aippasi Sravana (Oct - Nov), in which top artistes render music and other performances

A monthly Sravana Deepams (a star in the month)) are performed, would be enthralling to witness devotees earnestly flocking around the deepam. Sri Ramanavami festival is also celebrated for 10 days (April).